Nurture Spa-Tagaytay

Published in Lifestyle Asia

A Nurturing Experience

Spa and nature lovers alike will enjoy the very unique and ecologically friendly atmosphere that surrounds Nurture Spa in Barrio Maitim, Tagaytay. The brain child of Cathy Brillantes-Palma, this secluded hideaway offers couples, singles and even families the chance to escape the madness of Manila and find a couple of hours (even days) of relaxation, overall wellness and mouth watering Asian Fusion cuisine. The trip from Manila will only take you about 1 1.2 hours to 2 hours at the most, with many signs with the Nurture Spa logo along the way to guide you to your destination. As you drive past the coffee orchards and the pineapple plantations on your way to the spa, the memories of the city are left far, far behind. The minute you alight from you car you already feel the cool, Tagaytay weather and take in the lush, tropical garden that is the backdrop for this spa. After a quick orientation, the staff takes your blood pressure and explains what’s on your agenda for the day. A tour of the grounds and directions are given to the location of various treatment rooms and the café before one is brought to their accommodations. Authentic Ifugao huts, some of which are more than a 100 years old are all naturally ventilated and can comfortably fit two, because they are elevated they capture the incoming Tagaytay breezes and are relatively cool. There are also the Serenity cottages, which are air conditioned, and have bathtubs and two massage tables on the first floor. This is a good option for guests who would rather have some privacy and the option of not having to leave right after their massage is done.

Among the treatments, Nurture Spa pampers from head to toe. For a persons “Crowning Glory” there is the Coco Aloe Royal Hair Spa and the Lavender Hair Rejuvenation. Both treatments promise maximum moisture and hydration for the hair, the former using jasmine oil while the latter lavender and tea tree essential oils. There are many options for facials, although men can opt for the Makisig Gentlemen’s Facial since this is more suitable to their skin. A spa favorite is the Sutlang Camia facial which thoroughly cleanses, softens and whitens the skin. All facials come with a light massage on the head, neck, arms and shoulders to further induce relaxation.

For full body treatments, there are again a number of massages, scrubs and wraps that are available. The Ginhawa Body Massage is 90 mins. Of pure bliss which helps balance out the nervous and emotional systems through combined aroma therapy oils. For couples, there is Magsing-Irog Massage that uses the seductive blend of ylang ylang, sandalwood and lavender oils. A unique scrub offered is the Four Blend Kape Barako scrub wherein finely ground coffee beans from Batangas are blended with special herbs. This combination is not only fragrant it also assists the skin and body by stimulating circulation. A must try for the wrap is the Hilom Dead Sea Mud Wrap, the minerals that exist in Dead Sea Mud are miracle workers in fighting acne, eczema and have been known to ease muscular and rheumatic pain. All body treatments are inclusive of a floral foot bath and finished off with the offering of herbal tea and a fresh fruit in system.

As mentioned previously, Nurture Spa pampers from head to toe, so guests can also benefit from hand and foot spas. These are done outside in beautiful wooden gazebo like structures. If one chooses for the ultimate pampering, the Bighani Luhur which lasts for 180 mins is the best alternative. It starts off with a fresh herbal scrub which exfoliates the skin, a full body massage to loosen the muscles and then a yoghurt wrap to nourish the skin. After the treatment is done, a warm floral soak completes the experience.

While the treatments are meant to pamper the external aspect of the body, the spa also takes into consideration the internal workings of its guests. The café offers delicious gastronomical delights that will satisfy any palette, be it a meat lover or a full-on vegetarian. The café gives a choice between the Spa Cuisine Meal with healthy low fat dishes such as Fettucini with Tofu and Nurture Tomato Sauce, or the Full Set Meal that has pasta and other main course selections ranging from Lamb Chops Madagascar and Bengal Chicken Curry. The salad always has fresh greens grown on the grounds and the very tasty homemade Nurture Oriental Dressing is a staple item.

Nurture Spa promotes an overall being of wellness so there are also yoga classes and meditation courses for different levels of students. The founders believe that yoga is best for inner healing not only physically but emotionally. There are many yoga poses that massage internal organs such as the heart, the liver, the kidneys, and promote harmony within the body. Meditation, which has its foundation on deep breathing and clearing of the mind is a wonderful tool to de-stress and have a complete feeling of rejuvenation and balance.

Overall, Nurture Spa has been aptly named because it does nurture and care for the four pillars for growth and harmony. The body, the mind, the soul and the heart.